Female real estate agents in the Lower Mainland are being asked to be extra vigilant when conducting open house showings.
In recent weeks, at least 15 cases have been reported to law enforcement of an unknown male repeatedly calling Metro Vancouver female real estate agents and making appointments to view listings. He is attempting to have the female agents conduct the showing for him alone, which goes against the policies of many real estate agencies.
The male has been observed at showings, however leaves once he finds the agent is not alone.
The male is described as Asian with short black hair, a medium build and in his mid-20s.
The man is described as soft spoken, and allegedly uses the names David, Sean Z and Lee.
Delta police have received a call about suspicious circumstances, but stress that no instances have occurred in Delta. DPD however, is sharing information with the public and realtors for precautionary purposes.
“We wanted to help spread the word, and urge agents not to conduct showings alone,” said DPD public affairs coordinator Cris Leykauf. “If any similar circumstances to this arise, agents are urged to contact police.”
According to Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president Ashley Smith there have been incidents as recently as last weekend, and that reports have cropped up in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam and New Westminster.
“There is certainly a nervousness amongst realtors right now, so we have been making our best efforts to ensure realtors are aware of the situation and encouraging them to take this as a good reminder to always take safety and security precautions particularly when they hold open houses or meet new prospective clients alone,” Smith said. “We want to remind realtors going into the weekend to keep this top of mind.”
